In New England, we import a lot of the food we eat. This means we’re dependent on outside systems for growing it and getting it here. But those systems can be impacted by everything from climate change and to a housing crisis.

We dig into what it would take to build a more reliable and local food system with Jen Faigel, co-founder and executive director of CommonWealth Kitchen, and Shane Rogers, program and communication director for Food Solutions New England.

Commonwealth Kitchen looks to promote a just and sustainable food system with creations like the field pea fritter.

Paulette Ngachoko, a native of Cameroon who came to the U.S. as a refugee by means of Burkina Faso, is on a mission to mainstream African-style foods in this country. A lawyer and political activist, Ngachoko launched HAPI African Gourmet to change the narrative about the continent of Africa, Africans and African cuisine. Her story is one of perseverance and adaptation.

Check out this article in the Boston Globe featuring CommonWealth Kitchen member Chef Michelene Desormeau and the great work she does for her community.

Check out this article in the Boston Globe featuring one of CommonWealth Kitchen’s latest success story, Phoebe Zhou owner of A LA PÊCHE.

WBZ News Radio stops by the new cafe at the Shawmut T station owned by CWK member, House of Seven Cafe.

“My family is from Dorchester and I kept the dream here in Dorchester.”
-Tamicka Brown, founder, House of Seven

CWK member House of Seven Café set up new cafe in a kiosk outside Shawmut Station in Dorchester to the delight of neighbors and commuters.

“It’s personal…I want to support farmers and agricultural developers in West Africa and make sure they’re compensated for their labor.”
-Joshua Reed-Diawuoh founder or GRIA

Check out CWK’s Executive Director, Jen Faigel, on Radio Boston earlier this week! She and other panelists discuss business leadership challenges, labor shortages, and recent trends.

Since the pandemic, CommonWealth Kitchen has been feeding our community while providing opportunities for our small businesses. This year we were happy to help out Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu as she and her staff distributed 2,000 turkeys to local families. We also connected our members (see photo) to Boston Pediatrics to help prepare meals for their clients and families.